MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Police Chief Todd J. Fitzgerald would like to provide residents with updated information on COVID-19, the illness associated with the novel coronavirus, as federal and state officials continue to monitor the virus internationally.
The Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department is offering pick-up and delivery services for residents identified as higher risk of serious health complications should they contract the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) or for those who are self-quarantined. This includes the delivery of groceries, prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines and vital supplies.
Individuals who have been identified as being at a higher risk and advised to avoid large crowds are older adults or anyone with chronic medical conditions, like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease.
Manchester-by-the-Sea Police officers will be able to pick up and deliver items like food, medicine and other vital supplies for those who do not feel comfortable going out to do so. Officers will be unable to pay for the items, however.
Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of the residents and the officers, items will be delivered to the front door of the home, and officers will not enter the home. Residents will be notified when the officer arrives so they can get the items immediately.
In an effort to continue practicing social distancing strategies, effective immediately, all citizens are asked to make all non-emergency reports and inquiries to either department by telephone or email, rather than in person.
The Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department can be reached at 978-526-1212 to set up deliveries and for all non-emergency matters.
As always, please call 911 for any emergency. Officers will continue to respond as normal.
Anyone who calls the Police Department Dispatch Centers and is experiencing any flu-like symptoms should notify the dispatcher on the phone. Dispatchers have been instructed to ask symptom-related questions of callers.
The medication and sharp drop-off program has been suspended until further notice.
The Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department would like to remind residents to be vigilant of potential scams around COVID-19, like requesting donations or selling products claiming to cure, prevent or detect the virus. The department is aware of one Medicare scam some residents have received and would like residents to remain vigilant.
“We are continuing to monitor the situation and will share information with residents as it becomes available,” Chief Fitzgerald said. “By complying with all the guidelines and recommendations being shared, residents can help keep all in the community safe and help stymie the spread of all communicable viruses, including COVID-19.”
The novel coronavirus has sparked an outbreak of respiratory disease with symptoms that may appear 2-14 days after exposure including fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and information indicates that most COVID-19 illness is mild. If someone is displaying symptoms, they should not come to work or school and they are advised to contact their primary care physician.
The COVID-19 situation is very fluid, and new information and guidelines are being posted by the CDC on a regular basis. The CDC offers the following guidance for how COVID-19 spreads.
In an effort to prevent the spread of flu, colds and other respiratory illnesses, residents should follow the recommended actions from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH):
- For a minimum of 20 seconds, wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces
- When you have a fever or are ill, stay home from work or school
The state has also set up the phone number 211 to answer questions that residents may have concerning COVID-19.
For more information, visit CDC’s website here or the DPH’s website here.
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